If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy loyalist, perhaps you’ve become savvy at earning lots of Marriott Bonvoy points, but even seasoned members might welcome an earnings refresher!
One thing’s for certain: when it comes to hotel loyalty points, more is better. With that philosophy in mind, we’re going to take a look at dozens of ways we all can earn more Marriott Bonvoy points.
Marriott Bonvoy points are valuable since they can be redeemed for free hotel/resort stays, room upgrades, discounts off of room rates, vacation packages, car rentals, gift cards, donations to charity, transfers to airline partners, and more!
In this article, we’ll look at a multitude of ways you can earn all the Marriott Bonvoy points you desire. Let’s get started.
1. Welcome Bonuses and Spending on Marriott Bonvoy-Branded Credit Cards
Use your Marriott Bonvoy points to stay at a beach property such as the San Juan Marriott Resort. Image Credit: Marriott
Chase and American Express both issue Marriott Bonvoy-earning personal and business credit cards. You’ll start earning Marriott Bonvoy points immediately on every purchase, and qualify for a welcome bonus once minimum spending requirements are met, normally within the first 3 months after card approval.
Welcome bonuses are the fastest way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points, but there are plenty of ongoing earning options that make it smart to have at least 1 Marriott Bonvoy-branded card in your wallet if you’re a Marriott loyalist.
You’ll continue to earn, during and beyond the welcome bonus, for every purchase made on a Marriott Bonvoy-branded card and elevated earnings on bonus categories that vary by card.
Here are some snapshots of current welcome bonuses and earning categories for several of the most popular Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards.
CREDIT CARD | CARD INFO |
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Learn More
(at Chase's secure site)
| - Earn 3 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
- New Benefit! Earn 3X Bonvoy points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
- New Benefit! Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
- 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
- Earn up to 17X total Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
- 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite Status each account anniversary year, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Good to Excellent (670-850)
- Annual Fee: $95
$1,050
|
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Learn More
(at Chase's secure site)
| - Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn up to 14X total Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Card.
- 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains).
- 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, qualifying you for Silver Elite Status. Restrictions apply.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Earn unlimited Marriott Bonvoy points and get Free Night Stays faster.
- Good to Excellent (670-850)
- Annual Fee: $0
$210
|
New 100k Welcome Offer
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

Learn More
(at Amex's secure site)
| - Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points and 1 Free Night Award after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.
- Enjoy up to $300 in statement credits each year of Card Membership for eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program.
- Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. 3 points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy unlimited airport lounge visits when you enroll in Priority Pass™ Select membership.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Good to Excellent (670-850)
- Annual Fee: $450
- Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, click here.
$700
|
Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card

Learn More
(at Amex's secure site)
| - Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 of eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/18/22.
- 6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program.
- 4x points at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status with your Card. Plus, earn Gold Elite status after making $35,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Good to Excellent (670-850)
- Annual fee: $125
- Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business Card, click here.
$700
|
Bottom Line: Spending on Marriott Bonvoy credit cards and earning the associated introductory welcome bonuses are the fastest ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points.
2. Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy
One way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points is by transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned from several Chase credit cards. The transfer is simple, has a 1:1 transfer ratio, and can take up to 2 days.
The transfer is not an awesome value for your Ultimate Rewards Points — but you might find value in transferring points to use for an upgraded room, or if you find a PointSavers rate. You might also find value when booking 5 consecutive award nights by getting the fifth night free.
The following Chase credit cards allow you to transfer Ultimate Rewards Points directly:
CREDIT CARD | CARD INFO |
Chase Sapphire Preferred®

Learn More
(at Chase's secure site)
| - Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $1,000 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 80,000 points are worth $1,000 toward travel.
- With Pay Yourself BackSM, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Good to Excellent (670-850)
- Annual Fee: $95
$1,600
Must Reads: For more info on the Chase Sapphire Preferred, see our thoughts on its benefits and travel insurance coverage, which includes primary car rental insurance. Take a look at our full review to see why it’s one of our favorite cards. |
Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Learn More
(at Chase's secure site)
| - Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on air travel and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 50,000 points are worth $750 toward travel
- With Pay Yourself BackSM, your points are worth 50% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority PassTM Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
- Excellent (740-850)
- Annual Fee: $550
$1,000
Must Reads: For more on the Chase Sapphire Reserve, see our thoughts on its benefits, global airport lounge access, and travel insurance protection. Take a look here for our full review. |
While the Chase Freedom Flex℠ Credit Card, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, and Ink Business Cash® Credit Card earn Ultimate Rewards, these cards do not allow direct transfers to Marriott Bonvoy. You can, however, transfer your Ultimate Rewards points earned on these cards first to one of the premium Chase cards listed above and then to Marriott Bonvoy.
3. Refer-a-Friend Bonus Rewards (Chase)
You can refer friends for Chase credit cards and earn up to 100,000 points per year. To see if your card is eligible, visit the Refer-a-Friend website and enter your last name, zip code, and the last 4 digits of your credit card number.
Marriott Bonvoy-branded Chase card referrals will earn Marriott Bonvoy points and Ultimate Rewards-earning Chase cards will earn Ultimate Rewards that can then be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy.
4. Transfer Amex Membership Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy
Use any of our recommended Amex Membership Rewards-earning credit cards and transfer points to Marriott Bonvoy. As with Chase transfers, this is not a high-value transfer option compared to other Amex partners, however, there are promotions when you can receive up to 50% more in value when making a transfer.
Each Membership Rewards point converts to 1 Marriott Bonvoy point, and transfers are almost instant.
Here are some examples of the best personal Amex cards for earning Membership Rewards points:
Bottom Line: Membership Rewards points are valuable because the points can be transferred to several travel partners to receive the highest redemption rate possible. To learn more about the best ways to redeem Membership Rewards points, we have some great ideas for you.
5. Refer-a-Friend Bonus Rewards (American Express)
Log in to the American Express site to refer someone you know and receive rewards points. Image Credit: American Express
If you currently have a Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit card issued by American Express, you can also refer a friend to apply for a card and earn Marriott Bonvoy points once they’re approved. If you have an Amex Membership Rewards-earning card you will earn Membership Rewards for your referral that can then be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy.
Just log in to your online American Express credit card account and select the method you want to use to invite your referral.
You can have American Express send an email, post on your Facebook page, use Twitter, or copy your referral link and send an email of your own.
6. Base Points and Bonus Points for Stays at Marriott Hotels & Resorts
Marriott has a broad selection of properties where you can earn, and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points. Image Credit: Marriott
Did you know you can earn points without using a Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit card to earn Marriott Bonvoy points when staying at any Marriott-family property?
Marriott Bonvoy members earn 10 Marriott Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on qualifying purchases made at any of the core 25 Marriott properties listed above, regardless of which credit card you use (5 points per $1 at Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Element properties, and Homes & Villas by Marriott).
In addition to the base points earned when staying at Marriott collection properties, elite members receive bonus points.
For example, a Platinum Elite member would receive a 50% bonus for a total 15 Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 spent at any of the 25 core Marriott collection properties!
Elite Level |
Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points Earned |
Silver Elite |
10% |
Gold Elite |
25% |
Platinum Elite |
50% |
Titanium Elite
Titanium Elite with Ambassador |
75% |
Hot Tip: You can triple dip on Marriott Bonvoy points when staying at Marriott-affiliated properties. You’ll receive points for using your branded credit card, base points in the Marriott Bonvoy program for your stay, and an additional percentage bonus if you have elite status.
7. Earn Rewards at Long-Term Stay Properties
You can also stay at extended-stay properties such as Marriott Executive Apartments and ExecuStay properties to earn 2.5 Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 spent.
8. Reward a Friend, Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points
When you tell your friends about the Marriott Bonvoy program and they stay at a Marriott property, you’ll earn Marriott Bonvoy points. Be sure to have your friend sign up for the Marriott Bonvoy program before staying.
Here’s how the Reward a Friend program works:
- Send invitations to your friends.
- They receive 2,000 points per stay, up to 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
- You receive 2,000 points for each time they stay, up to 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for a maximum of 5 referrals per year. That’s 50,000 extra Marriott Bonvoy points!
9. Earn Rewards for Purchasing Gift Cards
Purchase Marriott Bonvoy gift cards with your Marriott Bonvoy credit card at participating Marriott properties and receive 6 points per dollar spent. Marriott Bonvoy gift cards make great gifts for weddings, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or graduates who will be traveling.
Hot Tip: Check your Amex Offers frequently for additional earnings or savings at Marriott properties, which may include gift card purchases.
10. Welcome Gift Points
When you check in to a Marriott collection property, you’ll be offered the option to receive welcome bonus points.
Gold Elite members or higher can select 500 to 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy points (depending on the property) in lieu of breakfast or a welcome amenity.
11. Earn When Booking Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities
Earn points when booking Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities. Image Credit: Marriott
Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities is a special program offering hundreds of special activities and experiences chosen specifically for Marriott Bonvoy members. Select from gourmet cooking lessons, a riverboat jazz brunch in New Orleans, or perhaps a New York City speakeasy walking tour.
Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities offers experiences at destinations all over the world — best of all, you’ll be earning at least 5x bonus Marriott Bonvoy points for each $1 spent on Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities!
12. Get Rewarded for Your Events
With the Marriott Bonvoy Events program, you’ll earn Marriott Bonvoy points for booking your meeting, wedding, or other special events at a Marriott property.
You can earn 2 points per dollar spent on eligible room, food, beverages, and audio/visual charges for a total of up to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for each event. Titanium Elite members can earn a maximum of 105,000 points per event.
You can also earn Elite qualifying nights for your event booking.
13. Sign Up for Bonus Rewards at Promotion Central
When Marriott Bonvoy runs a promotion, you can earn extra Marriott Bonvoy points for your stays. If you’re a member of Marriott Bonvoy, you should receive an email asking you to register whenever there is a new promotion.
You can always check out Marriott Bonvoy’s Promotion Central to sign in and see if there is a new promotion you may have missed.
14. Earn Rewards While Roaming
Marriott Bonvoy partners with TravellingConnect for cellular roaming services in over 25 countries worldwide. Signing up is free, and Marriott Bonvoy members earn 2 points per dollar spent on services.
15. Book Marriott Vacation Packages
Vacations by Marriott runs ongoing specials that offer bonus Marriott Bonvoy points for booking vacation packages in addition to the points earned on the purchase price.
As an example, one recent promotion offered 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for booking a 4-night stay or longer at a Westin property. You can check out the Vacations by Marriott site to see the current bonus point specials.
16. Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points for Car Rentals Through Hertz
Marriott Bonvoy partners with Hertz to offer Marriott Bonvoy members discounted rental rates and unlimited miles.
Members enjoy the benefits of reserving now, paying later, and even canceling their reservation for free. Use code 154080 during booking for discount and benefits.
Best of all, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn up to 2,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for Hertz car rentals of 2 days or more.
17. Book Your Cruise Through Cruise With Points
With over 500 trained cruise experts on staff and a 110% money-back price guarantee, Marriott Bonvoy has a dedicated Cruise with Points website.
Receive special pricing, bonus amenities, and up to 3 Marriott Bonvoy points for every $1 you spend at Cruise with Points. Earn even more (up to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points!) when you book a balcony or suite stateroom.
Hot Tip: If you’ve got plenty of Marriott Bonvoy points, you may consider booking your cruise with points instead of cash (however, you won’t earn points when you do this).
18. Your “Identity“ Can Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points
If you’re a member of the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Identity rewards program, you can transfer loyalty points to Marriott Bonvoy. You must contact the Cosmopolitan Identity Program to do so.
The following conversion rates apply:
Identity → Marriott Bonvoy |
25,000 → 20,000 |
10,000 → 8,000 |
2,500 → 2,000 |
500 → 400 |
19. Check Out Marriott Vacation Club Ownership
Many vacationers enjoy the convenience of owning a Marriott Vacation Club timeshare, with access to over 70 Marriott Vacation Club resorts, as well as access to over 4,000 Marriott properties and 3,000 affiliated resorts via the Marriott Vacation Club Destinations Exchange Program,
And for those who don’t mind signing up to visit one of their properties and listening to their presentation, one could earn a stash of Marriott Bonvoy points.
20. Purchasing Marriott Bonvoy Points
If you’re just short of enough points for a particular redemption option, you may want to purchase a small number of Marriott Bonvoy points to top off your account.
Another reason you might purchase points is to keep your points from expiring since Marriott Bonvoy points expire after 24 months of inactivity on your account.
Members may normally purchase a maximum of 50,000 points per calendar year in increments of 1,000 at a rate of $12.50 per 1,000 points, but watch for promotions where points are discounted and limits are increased.
21. Link Your Marriott Bonvoy and Uber Rewards Accounts
As a bonus to whatever earnings you’d get through your credit card and any Uber Rewards you’d earn, you can also triple-dip and earn Marriott Bonvoy points when you link your Marriott Bonvoy account to your Uber account.
Members will earn:
- 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 spent on Uber Eats deliveries to U.S. Marriott properties with a minimum subtotal of $25 (or 2 points per $1 for non-hotel deliveries)
- 3 Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 spent on Uber XL, Comfort, Black, and Black SUV rides in the U.S.
22. Eat Around Town
Join Eat Around Town and link your Marriott Bonvoy-branded card to earn up to 6 points per dollar spent at participating restaurants.
Everything Else You Need To Know
The Marriott Bonvoy program allows you to select whether you want to earn miles or rewards points for your purchases. To make your selection, log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account and update your online profile.
If you do not make a selection, the program will default to earning Marriott Bonvoy points.
Once you’ve earned plenty of Marriott Bonvoy points, you’ll probably want to know the best way to redeem your points. Check out our guide on the best ways to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for the most value.
Final Thoughts
With so many ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points, you should be able to accumulate enough to easily cover an annual vacation or several weekend getaways each year just from everyday spending.
The best value for your Marriott Bonvoy points will normally be for free hotel nights, plus you’ll receive even more value when you utilize the fifth consecutive award night free benefit.
If you’re a traveler whose hotel program choice is Marriott Bonvoy, partnering a branded card with your Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program membership can be very rewarding, regardless of which Marriott Bonvoy-branded card you select.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, click here.